Robert M. Rogers

Born in 1839 and dying in 1904, Robert M. Rogers is identified in library records as Robert Maxwell Rogers. He is best remembered as the author of The 125th Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry: Attention Battalion!, first published in Champaign, Illinois, in 1882.

The book presents a firsthand-style history of the 125th Illinois Volunteer Infantry during the American Civil War. Contemporary and library descriptions note that Rogers had served in the regiment and was listed on the title page as a late second sergeant of Company B, which helps explain the book’s grounded, soldier-level perspective.

His work is more than a battle summary: it also includes rosters and records of what became of the regiment’s men. That practical detail, along with its personal tone, has made the book a lasting source for readers interested in Illinois soldiers and Civil War regimental history.